A Trans mom and the first Indian Transsexual person to bag Miss Diversity International pageant, competing with natural born women, Miss World Diversity 2017 and 2018, actor, pageant director and model, all rolled into one. This Trans gender woman from Delhi is representing 1.4 billion population of her country at Miss World Diversity 2019 on August 4. In fact, she is the only Transsexual to be selected among thirty other women in this competition. That is Aizya (Naaz) Joshi for you.

Aizya Naaz Joshi: Only transsexual to be selected among 30 other women in the Miss World Diversity 2019 in Mauritius on August 4

At the time of winning the pageant last year, Naaz had urged student community to work towards global peace and look beyond the realms of the country. “Our colours might be different, but what we need to keep in mind is that we are all human beings. Therefore, we need to work in tandem and strive for creating a peaceful environment.”

During the pageant, Naaz pinned flags belonging to 22 nations. Naaz struggled her way to reach the heights she had scaled so far. She faced sexual abuse from her cousin (maternal uncle’s son) when she grew up. In addition to that, Naaz also had to work as a bar dancer to pay her school fees. Naaz, meaning pride in Urdu and Hindi, was born a boy in an East Delhi home (Shahdara). Born to a Hindu-Muslim family, right from tender age, she knew what she was. Her childhood was fraught with humiliation and exploitation.

Aizya Naaz Joshi: Only transsexual to be selected among 30 other women in the Miss World Diversity 2019 in Mauritius on August 4

When she showed feminine traits, people mocked at her and made fun of her, wherever she went. Apparently, there was a big contradiction between her mind, her heart and her body and the way she used to behave. And the confusion continued for many years. While the looks were deceptive and Naaz looked like a perfect young guy, but her mind was that of a woman. So, the identities were all mixed up in her mind and head. Often, she felt that she was a gay and at other times, she felt that she was a bisexual as well. And at other times, she felt just plain different.

When Naaz became an embarrassment for the family, she was forcefully sent to Malad back in 1986 in Mumbai from the capital city of Delhi, at the age of six, to stay in her maternal uncle’s house. Her own cousin in Mumbai sexually abused Naaz, when other family members went out. Often that boy used to bring in his friends too to abuse her. At 35, Naaz recalled all the past incidents with a pinch of sadness. Naaz was not only sexually abused by her cousin but in order to pay her school fees, she was forced to take up a job in a way side cafeteria. Her routine was like this. In the morning session, Naaz used to attend classes and by noon, she would visit the cafeteria, washed the vessels and served food to people who visited the cafeteria to eat food. But Naaz made sure that she was going to be firm on her identity as a girl and wore skirts only while attending school and also working in the cafeteria. From the Dhaaba, she got in touch with many trans gendered people, who were either eking out a living out of begging on the streets or they were indulging in prostitution.

When Naaz was taunted at home, school and work place, she decided to get out of that place and at the age of eleven, Naaz just left home and she met a trans woman from Kinnar community, who was a dancer at a local bar. Eventually, the trans woman got Naaz the job of a dancer at the bar, where the latter continued to work for almost six years. Naaz continued her studies with the income she got from the bar. The bar which she served offered her a place to stay and they also provided food.

Naaz successfully finished her schooling. As a dancer, Naaz became a rage in the dance bar, where she danced to the lilting tune of Bollywood actor Sridevi. Naaz was very fond of the late actor and she learned the nuances of Sridevi’s choreographic skills. As the clientele who visited the bar came from all walks of life, somehow, one of the regulars, having noticed her dance skills and her taste for wonderful attires, suggested her to pursue a course on fashion designing at NIFT. Gaining admission in the NIFT was a nightmare for Naaz as there was no preference given to the transgenders back then. There was no third gender back then as the SC judgement came later. Naaz was left with only option of gaining admission by declaring that she is a male. One of the pre-condition before Naaz was enrolled in the NIFT was that she was asked to dress up like a male, which she followed. So, keeping her employment goals in mind, Naaz dressed up like a boy and attended the classes. To pay fees, she worked at McDonald’s and Dominos outlets in the capital city. After the course, in order to keep herself afloat, Naaz joined a massage parlour, where she was forced to undergo physical abuse. Under the garb of running massage parlours, these institutions across the nook and corners of Delhi ran prostitution joints. As that was her only source of income, Naaz took up the profession. Despite subjecting herself into prostitution, Naaz came out with flying colours when the result of NIFT came, she became a topper.

Aizya Naaz Joshi: Only transsexual to be selected among 30 other women in the Miss World Diversity 2019 in Mauritius on August 4

Due to her gender issue, wherever she worked, Naaz had incompatibility issues and had to leave the job. At 21, Naaz served big brands such as Ritu Kumar and Ritu Beri. Eventually, she had to leave because of the gender issue. In spite of her ups and downs in her career, Naaz managed to pursue MBA in Marketing stream from IMT Ghaziabad through correspondence course. She was forced to choose a correspondence course, as Naaz was denied regular admission due to the gender issue again. Naaz faced humiliation wherever she went. She was taunted by people by calling names such as Chakka, Mamu, Hijda and what not. People on the streets threw amorous glances as many made sexual advances as well. When she got traumatized on a regular basis, she resolved to undergo the gender reassignment procedure. In 2013, Naaz underwent the surgery and finally her body synced with her feminine soul.

Much to her relief, NALSA judgement came on April 15, 2014 officially recognizing transgender community as third gender. Rishi Taneja also made a biopic on Naaz. She also took up modelling and acting and there too she faced sexual discrimination. Naaz received many roles in Bollywood, but the offers were all attached with strings. She was asked to portray roles with skimpy cloths, which she refused to budge. Naaz is very choosy, when it comes to taking up meaty roles without any pre-condition.

Back in 2012, when Donald Trump, who promoted Miss Universe Pageant, brought in a liberal rule allowing transsexuals to take part in the competition. When the news came, Naaz had decided to try her hand in modelling as well. So, in 2018, Naaz participated in the Miss World Diversity in Dubai, competing with 22 women contestants and became the first Indian transsexual Miss World Diversity. And that is not all. Naaz also became first Indian transsexual woman to come on the cover of a popular magazine. In addition to that, Naaz also became the first trans-woman to endorse a sanitary napkin brand, Klaren. Naaz is happy about more and more transgender people being accepted in terms of employment in Government as well as private sector. She feels more private institutions should consider employing members from the LGBTQ community so that the transgender community can lead a life with dignity.

Aizya Naaz Joshi: Only transsexual to be selected among 30 other women in the Miss World Diversity 2019 in Mauritius on August 4

In an exclusive interview given to The Indian News Editor-in-Chief Jayashankar Menon, Naaz said, “I am an ordinary transgender from the trans phobic city called Delhi. I have been struggling for an identity not just for me but even for the community that I belong to.”

While talking about her adolescence and the perennial confusion, Naaz says, “I was confused. When people mocked at me, I used to come home and weep real bad. I used to lock myself up inside the room and often pop up sleeping pills and crash off.”

As far as her education was concerned, Although, Naaz passed out of the National Institute of Fashion Technology, but her choice of staying true to herself meant no design house of repute hired her. “The moment I mention my gender as Third Gender, they refused to take interview. In many an instance, they never called me for an interview.”

Her choice of staying a woman came with a heavy price. She was out on the road, Naaz did whatever she could for her survival. People mocked at her and termed as a Hijda, biological males who identify themselves as women.

“Sex trade will be the last option for any person. Rightly so, that was my last option too. Everyday, I had to go through this trauma. I was forced to take up this trade in a massage parlour, where all sorts of men used to visit. “I did that because of my majboori (necessity) and it was a tough time. I had all sorts of people coming in there and from cleaner to washer men. I used to be trapped in that place from morning to evening. It was around this time that Naaz allowed Rishi Taneja to capture her life in a series of black and white. The fashion photographer who had spent years looking at and defining beauty and new lessons to learn. As she spent two winters following Naaz around the streets, his camera captured the grit and the grind that often defines many like Naaz and their lives of poverty and abuse. Even Taneja has mentioned about the claustrophobic dingy eight rooms divided by thin sheets as walls, with greasy walls and people having sex in all these rooms. He tells in an interview given to a television channel that when he froze a frame of Naaz lying on hospital type bed in that dingy room with another person having sex with her, her stare the fashion photographer could capture from an elevated place said it all that she was not one bit happy about what she was forced to do. Reminiscing about those dark days, Naaz says that she had in fact, forgotten the whole episode, nevertheless she allowed that photograph be taken just to prove a point that what kind of trauma transgenders had to undergo in their lives and also to send across a subtle message, there are ways for transgenders to come out of that and begin a more meaningful life.

Aizya Naaz Joshi: Only trans sexual to be selected among 30 other women in the Miss World Diversity 2019 in Mauritius on August 4

By early 2014, Naaz was out of her home and a member now of the transgender community, unrecognised by the world and only worthy of dancing, clapping, prostitution or begging. In a landmark judgement in April 2014, the Supreme Court recognised transgender as the third gender, hoping it would ensure education and job opportunities and further bring down discrimination.

“The judgement only says that the terms such as hijdas and eunuchs and it is about bringing a change in mindsets of the people and the people should look at us as the persons we are not that the kind of gender we possess. Days after the SC judgement, in the legal status as active citizens the thirdness exemplified both. They are continuing social exclusion, but at the same time, the ability to transcend the traditional binaries of gender.

“Sometimes when I travel by bus and the conductor comes up to me and says, Madam, no need to pay money and I need your blessing. What blessing he is talking about. Those customs of begging on the street by transgenders set the bad precedent. The walk through the streets, clapping and taking money from people and blessing them. People need to have education and they need to know that we wanted to be recognised as third gender and treat us like that and not treated like the way side hijdas. The SC judgement just cannot change the people’s attitude at all. A few weeks after the judgement was pronounced, the UPSC told the Court that it cannot include transgender as the third gender for applying for civil services examinations as the category was not yet clearly defined by the SC. In fact, the use of the term, Eunuch in the judgment itself sounds derogatory. There is no separate place for transgenders in any of the public places like the wash rooms or a separate ward in hospitals. There will be washrooms for either women or men, but not for the transgenders.

Last time, Naaz was there in 2007 and she was crowned as Miss Queen Mauritius. “Being the only transsexual in the competition, again brings in the challenge and responsibility on my shoulders. Therefore, I am hoping my country people cheer for me much more than last time,” Naas expressed hope.

“I represent India once again at Miss World Diversity on August 4, 2019 at the world finals and I happen to be the only tran sexual across the globe to be selected among 30 other women in this competition,” Naaz said and added, “Hope you all shall cheer for me and will not get this news unnoticed this time.”

Talking about the skeptics, Naaz says, “Those who are trans phobic must get their treatment done. Rather than calling us from the different world, I have a question to those skeptics, have they ever looked in the mirror? Are they the good human beings by discriminating transgenders? What are we? Who are we? We have worked hard and sans support from either the Government or having basic constitutional rights that others have or for that matter, the much needed family support, we have reached to a level where I celebrate myself for being who I am. None of these skeptics have the right to question me about my decisions. How, why and where do I pay my bills from? no matter I buy my crowns or I win them, that is also is none of their concern. These skeptics call themselves PhDs, Doctors, Engineers, Entrepreneurs and what not….but if you don’t know how to give respect to others, as far as I am concerned, they are big zeros.”

What is the message Naaz would like to tell her fellow transgender friends? “What is most important in this world today is believing in your decisions. I have made many decisions in my life, whether good or bad, I have decided to keep my relationships with people I love and not the people I need in my life whether personally or professionally. What is more, I don’t regret in taking any of my life’s call. Ugly, good, bad or worse whatever the consequences were, I have never been regretful and apologetic. My aim is to live for myself and the ones who need me in their lives, I always remember one very good saying by Rakhi Sawant ‘Aao toh welcome, jao toh bheed kam’.”

About her previous win and the discrimination she had to face, Naaz lamented, “I have been struggling for an identity not just for me but even for the community that I belong to. Last year too, I won the contest in Dubai, nevertheless the buzz I was expecting to be India’s first trans international beauty queen, I was deprived of because this news was not celebrated in the country. So, I make my way again in this competition thinking that if I win again in Mauritius, I can at least become a voice of millions of transgender women across the globe.”

On the importance of having just the right mentor, Naaz says, “You don’t actually need a big or small publication house to make you beauty queen, you become a successful beauty queen with right mentor and guide. Suppose, if any one promises you a movie after winning a beauty pageant is lying because none can force a producer or director to cast you in a movie, unless you fit in the role or for that matter, you have the requisite acting skills. Only then you can clear the auditions. How fake can people go to promote their kukaan of Miss or Mrs India. Only because we women are fond of crowns doesn’t mean we should start living in a fairy tale. Beauty pageants are the platform that not only help you to understand yourself better but also gives you a chance to the media to write about you in your city state or region. Therefore, girls, you can be actors and models but not just by winning the pageant, had this been true we have had one super star every year from India’s biggest pageant Femina Miss India.”

On the subject of trans empowerment, Naaz has this to say, “On one hand, we demand the trans empowerment and on other hand we see differences between the community. Many of the biggies in the community don’t feel happy when the next generation of trans girls are struggling to make their way harder in the society. I am supposed to represent always the good side of my people, but I also believe that I must also expose the reality. Unless trans community support each other, nothing will change for us.”

While shedding light on the challenges she had to face, Naaz goes into philosophical mode and says, “Umbrella can’t stop the rain. Nevertheless, it make us stand in the rain. Therefore, confidence may not bring success, but gives the power to face any challenge in life.”

What would a girl do if she finds out the man she was courting relationship for two years, got engaged to, and one fine evening, she calls him up and a woman picks up the call and tells that she was his wife and they were married for three months, naturally, any girl will get shattered, broken, hurt and will have turbulent mind to end her life. Probably, she might even sink into the quicksand of depression. Ask Naaz, she has a different take in her life. “Cheats exist. Does than mean I stop living my life? I am good and kind hearted. Obviously, the loss is not mine. I will get many men in my life who will proudly hold my hands. But, he will not get a girl who loved him truly,” Naaz points out and adds, “Positive thinking is the only way out to come out of any sadness in life.”

Naaz also has strong view about the relationship. She says that the more you run behind someone, the more you lose your dignity, respect and eventually him. So, the pragmatic approach is to set him free. And if he comes back, he is yours. If he does not, then you will have to conclude that he never was.

What are the changes she predicts in the beauty pageant going forward, Naaz says, “Some people love the glitz and lights, they love artificial jewelry. For them American diamonds are more important than the Gold. They are mesmerized by the attitude and tantrums thrown on them. They will consider you celebrity only if you show them that you are unavailable…. specially in our pageant. MIHM 2020 will have makeover, one of the biggest makeover will be eliminating their queries over WhatsApp. Second major change will be just two winners one in regular category and one in classic category, because as their directors it is easy to work with two winners than nine of them. The third major change will be girls coming through only auditions none coming direct. If they miss the chance in auditions they shall not be entertained either. You asked for it. So let it be so. Focus on quality and not quantity. So MIHM 2020 here you go.”

Stating that the trans-women are the form of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, Naaz says, “If anyone thinks we are the weakest gender or sex, must think again. A man has power of a man and a woman has hers. We as ardhnareshwar we have power of both the genders we are as humble as mother Parvati, we love like her, but when some one touches us the wrong way, then even God can’t save that person from our wrath. I don’t know about others, but try to touch me the wrong way, I will make your life hell. Trust me. Don’t call for a kaal. Be polite when I am, show me the rude behaviour and your existence will become horrible till you are on planet earth.”

Should she be shrewd cunning pageant director who is respected by all or sweet honest humble the way she is? “Most of the time I have been taken for granted. I think, I choose the earlier one because if that is the way people respect you as directors and celebrity, then let it be that one,” Naaz says.

How will be your reaction about your detractors who go to town bitching about you? “All your good karma and bad karma are recorded. Some women aspire to be beauty queens and they don’t even have manners to talk to some one. Forget a director, but they are mean and bitchy women. Best is let them bark and you just listen and then God will take your revenge on them. But if you are equally rude to people then there will be no difference between you and them.”

As Naaz is also into beauty industry, what is her take on fairness creams? “Why do we still run behind fairness. Are we not beautiful when we are dark and dusky? I am proud to be dusky. I feel proud of myself. My advice would be to stop buying fairness creams. This is the year of black women, first time Miss International Queen is a black, now Miss USA, Miss Teen USA and Miss America are black again. I will not be surprised if this year Miss Universe and Miss World are bagged by black women. It’s a big lesson for people in India who think fair is beauty, it’s time to say goodbye to fairness creams.”

What is her advice to those upcoming fashion models? Naaz says, “Imperfection is beautiful. But it is not in the field of glamour and glitz. You are being judged here everyday. So, work on your flaws.”

Naaz with her bundle of joy.

Naaz has also adopted a baby girl and she now she is a proud mother too. About motherhood, Naaz says, “Motherhood is the most beautiful experience in this world. If I have ever felt important to someone’s life, is my daughter. The smile she gives me when I return home after work, relieves all my worries. Children are angel in our lives. And I would tell every transgender woman to either adopt a kid or keep the sperms saved before the transition. So that you can have a baby of your own. If you think you can’t afford to go for IVF treatments then adopt an orphan. Give him or her all the love you have. You can become someone’s world and that some one can be your world…..”

Of overcoming the obstacles in her life, Naaz says, “It’s not disabilities we are born with, but it’s the ever fighting spirit in you that takes you places. I remember there was no one standing by me when I was struggling. Even today, I fight without support of anyone. My family is my heart, mind and soul. And the God Almighty. At times, I see no way out, coming out of difficulties that I have to face but then I pray, and my prayers are always answered by my Almighty. He who has stood by me forever and took good care of me, as my father, shall show me the way to my further new dreams and aspirations. On my end I can only work hard, the results are His.”

About the film acting career offers, Naaz says, “I would never want to work in Bollywood or Tollywood as a female lead. I want to do substantial roles which are written for Trans women. And till the time I don’t get that powerful script, I will not accept any offer.”

Life should be a celebration. Naaz says, “Whether others celebrate of being who you are, but you can always celebrate of your own existence. You are special to so many people in their lives. Give importance to your family than the plastic smiles. Bring smiles to the poor and the needy. Stop comparing yourself to others and stop being in pain because of others. You are your best friend. You don’t have to be a model or actor to be celebrated. You are a mother, daughter, wife and celebrate each day of your life as there is no tomorrow.”

What is her view on the so-called gender disparity prevalent in India? “There are children who are born different than the so called conventional normal children. First of all, there is nothing that is called normal or abnormal in human beings. If some one is born differently, believe me, that some one will possess another quality that will be much higher than others. We the transgenders who according to some morons do not fit in conventional men and women, are multi-talented with extra intelligent mind. During my auditions on May 1, I was the only trans woman who was selected from 100 actors from Delhi auditions who were Male and female. The director did not expect that a trans woman can actually act. I am not supposed to disclose the name of the production house and the director, but whether I get to do the role finally or not, I am happy that I made my trans community proud of me, by defeating some senior actors in the industry, who wanted to do this trans protagonist role. We trans girls can act, provided we get some training. I want to thank my mentor Faraz Mariam Arif Ansari Ji, that in six days, he has trained me so well, that today at least I can stand tall and say proudly that yes I am an actor.”

Naaz is a proud winner of several accolades. What is the level of expectation people have on her? “We as title holders are always being judged by the people. But why? We don’t have to owe an explanation as what we do, and how we do. As a title holder from past three years, Miss Republic International Beauty Ambassador, Miss World Diversity 2017 and Miss World Diversity 2018. I have been doing my duties towards society extremely well. Well to begin with, some of the people who don’t even know P of pageant alleged me of wearing my crown and sash everywhere. Well, the organisation that has reposed so much faith in me, I need to promote them. I am their Ambassador for the next one year. The second issue people have is with my proactive videos and photographs. To all the people who don’t know shooting and don’t know about skin colour body suits or nipple pads, they are judging me. OMG! And worse still is people who have not achieved anything in their lives they are judging me. All the boys and girls before you judge me. Just see what I have achieved and what you have achieved, and then pass on the negative comments, last but not the least, a woman who wears a plunding neck line is not available. Please keep that in mind.”

About the rights of trans women, Naaz says, “I do have a right to vote, but why shall I? No candidate yet addressed the problems and solutions of our marginalised community. Only handful of us, who have achieved little in our lives have achieved with no support of government. Supreme court every now and then tells private and public sectors on work for us. why these people don’t work? So much that we the trans community don’t even have public washrooms in the airport or any public place. Such a basic need is not fulfilled. Imagine the plight of our trans sisters on roads begging, why we don’t have job opportunities for them? Why we the trans community are still considered untouchables? People in power are ashamed to acknowledge us. Till when are we not going to be considered as humans? Trans rights are human rights. I shall vote only when some one promises that he shall work for our community or anyone who has worked for my community in the past. Also I want to bring in here a point that Indian film industry must give roles to trans people and not to CIS man and a CIS woman. They should be boycotted and even in comedy shows like Kapil Sharma. The characters who play trans characters must be replaced by real trans actors.”

One of the biggest pageant for trans women world over is Miss International Queen, and for the first time a black trans girl from USA won it, and she did look like a transgender. Why in Indian trans pageants, the winners are expected to look like girls? “If the organisers want women look like transgenders they should rather do contest for women, aren’t we living in hypocrite society, where we are showing that we are working on transgender empowerment and give importance to female looking contestants. Let us be the transgenders we are, look at the trans women who are below poverty line, they don’t have enough money to buy branded make up, forget that they sleep on the floors. If you wish to work on trans empowerment, and organise events, then there should be some percentage of trans women from the streets and put them on ramp. I understand there is a fee structure but between 30 contestants you can easily accommodate three trans girls free of cost. And this is not for one particular pageant I am talking about neither I am hinting at anyone. My message is for every organiser today who organise these events.”

How well people receive your tough stand on discrimination and inequality? Naaz says, “When you know you are right, then stand for it. Let people call you insane or drama queen. I always raise my voice against the discrimination and inequality within the society. Transgenders are not aliens. Start accepting them as part of your society. Give them equal respect as you would to others. There is a man, there is a woman, teach your children that there is a third gender. If you need a picture of what third gender looks like you are always welcome to show my pictures to your kids. I am a proud transgender and even in my next life I would like to be one. People ask me to go for facial feminisation surgery to look like a girl but I am really sorry, I know I look like a transgender and I want to look like a transgender.”

There are inherent responsibility vested with human beings in terms of protecting and contributing to the society. Naaz says, “For every human being, it is important to take care of the society. Whenever I take out money from ATM or swipe my card, I never take my paper copy. It is my initiative to save trees and I don’t take poly bags from general stores. I take a small cloth bag from home and buy my grocery. This came to me when I first became a Beauty Queen, United Nations Ambassador. So, if you join the right pageant, even if you have to pay for the fee, you learn a lot and this sense of responsibility can only come in India if you join in Mrs India Homemakers or Queen Universe, if you wish to be a better person, join our pageants today.”

While touching upon the mindset of the people in India, Naaz says, “Everyone has different perspective to see life. Some see it half empty and some half filled. It is not the problem of the water or the glass. Rather, it is the problem of the person who is seeing it. I think people who are intelligent will understand what I am referring to. In a picture you see nudity, pornography or anything that meets your eye. Why can’t we see women who love their bodies and flaunt it as their Expression of love towards their body. Why do we need to tag them as #Sluts? And why this doesn’t go with men who expose on social media, they are called studs. Are we actually living in a free India? We all need to free our minds and should stop being judgmental towards others. At the face of it we are living in 21st century but even today the Seeta, the woman has to undergo a fire test to prove her innocence. Why men don’t pass through this test. If a night lady is out, she is characterless, a man out is ambitious and hardworking. Whoa… I love being in this stereotypical society where discrimination goes in between men and women then what are we transgenders? I think it will take another 20 centuries to change the mindset of people in India and specially north India.”
People often compliment Naaz for her eyes. She signs off by saying, “My eyes will help someone see the world after I am gone.”

Bollywood Actor Sana Khan and Ace choreographer, Melvin Louis were spotted in Ashima Sharma outfits for a Calendar Shoot, which featured them in Valentine’s Red theme.

Recently the actress Sana Khan and popular choreographer and instagram sensation Melvin Louis were spotted in Ashima Sharma outfits at a calendar shoot which featured them in Valentine’s Red theme, Sana Khan and Melvin Louis picked spectacular Red themed statement pieces from Ashima S Couture. Designer Ashima Sharma & brand Ashima S Couture has launched a series of designer red statement looks for the valentine’s season . Brand Ashima S Couture by Ashima Sharma is known for its signature style which includes lot of metal, sequins and bling elements.

Sana Khan is a prominent face from the film and television. What is more, Sana has been in business from quite a while and was also part of a series of reality shows which consisted Bigg Boss Season 6, Khatron ke Khiladi, Comedy Nights Bachao and has featured in a special appearance for almost all the seasons of Bigg Boss. She was last seen in a lead role in Wajah Tum Ho movie and in a special appearance in Toilet Ek Prem katha. Melvin Louis is an ace choreographer and is an instagram sensation, he has made his Bollywood dance cover with many popular actresses from the industry including Sana Khan. Together the duo has worked for some very trending dance covers.

Ashima Sharma has been painting and sketching portraits since the tender age of seven. The interests in arts led to the next step ‘Fashion Design’ hence pursued courses in Fashion design from FIDM, Los Angeles and she mastered in the fields of Pret and Couture wear and launched the brands ASHIMA S COUTURE. As an artist, she has worked for many international art galleries and international brands as well.

Writing has been one major passions and Ashima has achieved a distinct cynical style in writing poems, articles, scripts and more. Her interest in writings led her to start an online website with the name The Ashy Mind Soul which generally focuses on motivational articles. Furthermore, her interests in writing scripts Ashima to become the member of Screen Writer’s Association of India. Ashima is a Healer/Spiritualist and has keen interest in the occult sciences such as astrology, numerology etc which also encompasses in her designs and arts. A music enthusiast by nature, Ashima can play piano and the native Indian instrument ‘harmonium’ with ease. Since her very young days Ashima has been accomplishing herself in all these credentials with awards piling in since childhood. She has been working on international level which has contributed to various styles in her designs, paintings and literary works. Ashima’s work profile has got her in close association with celebrities well-known brands from time to time.

How does someone acquire expertise? Experience! Christine Storm has lived what she designs! A powerful singer with a bent toward high-energy rock and electronic dance pop says my songs and designs is all about an attitude that celebrates a charmed life.

Summer Collection by Celebrity Singer & Designer Christine Storm

Celebrity Singer and designer unveiled her signature summer resort line consisting of dresses, trousers, shirts in varied colors and cuts.

Summer Collection by Celebrity Singer and Designer Christine Storm

On this occasion Christine said “I am very excited that I have launched my new line of Resort collection. My collection has found a place on the world map too that is why it is imperative to promote our Indian endeavour. I hope to create a new language of high definition glamour, once we introduce our garments.”

Summer Collection by Celebrity Singer cum Designer Christine Storm

The Label Clubwear by Christine Storm is retailed in the Indian markets through Online, Pro – shops and high end boutiques. The collection that would be available in the Indian markets will be mid and high end range comprising of the Golf and the resort line. The USP of the collection is that one can wear it on the fields and also during an evening affair. The Resort Collection is available at, christinestorm.com

Peek-a-boo in the modelling world with former model and television personality Yolanda Hadid

Making A Model With Yolanda Hadid

The world of fashion is all about dreamy dresses and stunningly perfect models sashaying them with elan. But if you thought it’s that simple and easy then it’s time to switch to FYI TV18 as the channel is all set to premiere ‘Making A Model With Yolanda Hadid’ this January.

The audience will be exposed to Super models Gigi and Bella Hadid mom Yolanda, who herself has been a former model and television personality, trying to mould aspiring teenage models to succeed on the runway. In the cut-throat world of modelling, every aspiring beauty needs support, guidance and sometimes a nudge down the runway. So things are not always as easy as they seem.

And, that’s exactly what ‘Making A Model With Yolanda Hadid’ is all about. This former model and mum to the famous model siblings, will bring her expertise to the forefront as she coaches aspiring teen models to succeed on and off the catwalk. The eight-episode series follows six young aspiring models and their mothers as they travel to New York City, shack up under one roof and pursue their dreams of becoming a supermodel.

Through an intensive eight-week training program, focused on the physical, mental and emotional wellness, Yolanda puts the girls and their moms through a series of lessons and assignments. With a $5,000 weekly prize on the line, only one girl will be left standing to win a management contract with Yolanda’s company and the potential opportunity to be represented by IMG Models in New York. Tune-in to FYI TV18 for fun series ‘Making A Model With Yolanda Hadid’ 26th January’2019, Sat-Sun at 8 :00 PM.

In addition to acting, Abhirami Bhargavan is also a talented Bharatanatyam artiste and a fashion model too.

Varthakal Ithuvare is a typical family oriented film reminiscent of the ’90s and the debut director Manoj Nair was dreaming of making a movie belonging to that era, when he grew up watching the movies of Priyadarshan and Sathyan Anthikad. Set in the village background of Palakkad, the forthcoming Malayalam movie’s screenplay is also written by the director. Abhirami Bhargavan from Payyanur is doing her debut role as the heroine, while the hero is young actor Siju Wilson of Premam fame. Other actors in this movie include Vinay Forrt, Saiju Kurup, Nedumudi Venu and others. To know more about her role in her first movie and to know more about this multi-talented artist, The Indian.News Editor Jayashankar Menon had a free-wheeling chat with Abhirami Bhargavan. Excerpts:

TIM: Can you talk about your first Malayalam cinema, Varthakal Ithuvare?

AB: This is my debut movie. Siju Wilson has been cast against me as the hero and he is donning the character of a Police constable. I am portraying the character of a school teacher. In addition to that, Vinay Forrt is also doing an important character in Vaarthakal Ithuvare. Eldho Issac is handling the cinematography. The story is set in the ’90s. This film will evoke the feeling of nostalgia reminding us of the the movie directed by Sathyan Anthikad for instance or for that matter the new movie will take you to revisit the nostalgic movies like Naadodi Kaatu, Ponmuttayidunna Thaaravu and more.

Vaarthakal Ithuvare is bound to give that sort of feeling for the viewer. The director of the movie was looking for a face that had to match with the heroins of the ’90s and I was selected from the many applications for having such looks. After that there was this stringent screen test followed by the acting skill test. After succeeding in all these tests, the directed cast me for the heroine’s role in this film. The best part is that this film is also a debut assignment for the Director, Manoj Nair as well. He has also written the screenplay.

TIN: Can you talk about other artists who have been lined up for Vaarthakal Ithuvare and other aspects of the movie?

Abhirami Bhargavan bags debut role in the forthcoming Malayalam movie Vaarthakal Ithuvare, mugging up the script.

AB: Nedumudi Venu, Nandu, Alecier Ley, Vinay Forrt, Sudeep Karamana, Saiju Kurup, Mamukoya and the star cast is humongous. Mejjo Josseph has composed music in this movie. Lawson Biju (Producer of Ranam) and N Jiby Parackal are the producing this movie. The songs are also set in the village ambience. The location of Vaarthakal Ithuvare is Kollenkode in Palakkad, replete with paddy fields and greenery pervading all around.

Odiyan movie was also shot in this location. The film promises a typical village setting, which will give a great feeling of our countryside, especially with the rapid urbanisation happening all across Kerala, Kollengode still gives you the looks of ’90s! So, this movie is going to be a visual treat for the viewers and nature lovers. The trailer of the songs will be released in February this year.

TIN: Can you talk about your character in this movie?

Abhirami Bharagavan portrays the character of a school teacher in the forthcoming Malayalam movie, Varthakal Ithuvare.

AB: I am doing the character of a school teacher by name Alice. The story revolves around a theft that happens in the village.

So, the story line is very interesting and gives a new variety for the film lovers. Vaarthakal Ithuvare will be a subtle reminder of the ’90s movies and how the cine-goers enjoyed those movies and the present generation of film viewers will watch this movie with a bit of nostalgia.

TIN: Can you talk about yourself?

Abhirambi Bhargavan, in addition to acting and modelling, she is also equally talented in Bharatanatyam dance form.

AB: As for me, right from age five, my focus was on dance. I have been learning Bharatanatyam from my Guru, Seetha Sasidharan in Payyanur in Kannur district of Kerala. I finished BSc Chemistry from Payyanur College. During this time, I also did BA Bharatanatyam from Thanjavur University. I have also completed MA Bharatanatyam and I am about to embark on pursuing my MPhil. Through dance only I developed the passion for acting. I was also the Anchor in Surya TV. My foray into the film industry is through anchoring the Travelogue Cookery Show, Supertaste. In addition to that, I am pursuing modelling as well.

Acting, Modelling and Dancing go hand in hand for Abhirami Bhargavan.

TIN: So, fag end of 2018, you have bagged a meaty role in Vaarthakal Ithuvare. What is your expectation for 2019?

AB: I am doing several modelling assignments as of now. I am looking forward to do some wonderful characters this year. At the same time, I also want to continue the dance performance in tandem.

AB: Like the law of attraction, unknowingly the passion for movies had crept in me right from my childhood. Somehow, God has helped me to realise that dream (Laughs). A lot depends on the current movie, Vaarthakal Ithuvare. I leave everything to the viewers now. If they accept the move, which I am sure, it will happen, then I might as well continue in the Malayalam film industry, carving a niche for myself.

AB: My residence is located near the Subramania Swamy Temple in Payyanur. My father is working in Keltron and mother is serving the Register Office. I have an younger sister, Shreya Bhargavan who has just finished her MSc Physics from VIT College in Vellore and doing her project in Goa.

‘Cosmoprof on the Road’ unveiled the new layout of Cosmoprof Worldwide Bologna 2019 and presented its new projects and events that will characterise the upcoming edition in March 2019.

Cosmoprof Roadshow, organised by Italian Trade Agency, in partnership with Bologna Fiere Cosmoprof Spa (Cosmoprof Bologna) was held at The Hyatt Regency in New Delhi on December 12, 2018. Lorenzo Angeloni (TBC), Ambassador of Italy in India; Dr. Francesco Pensabene,

In his opening speech Angeloni said, “Cosmoprof Worldwide Bologna is a trendsetter from the entire beauty industry, not only offering an overview of all the current trends in the beauty sector but also being able to anticipate the market with business opportunities in unexplored areas.”

Francesco Pensabene

Welcoming the guests that included fashion and beauty experts, exporters and salon owners along with media, Pensabene said, “Our aim is to increase the Cosmoprof brand awareness to the world through promotional activities, meetings and workshops in strategic markets for the beauty industry. This is a great opportunity for Italian companies and associations that are willing to share their expertise in the cosmetic and beauty industry. We wish to exchange our best practices in order to contribute to adding value to the Indian cosmetic sector.”

Fabrizio Giustarini and Dr Francesco Pensabene

Following the opening speech, there were other speakers who shared their views. Reena Chhabra, said, “Growth of beauty is significant. If we look at online retail we will find that it is increasing day by day, and by 2020, it will increase by 20 to 42% in India.”

Rimpie Panjwani

Rimpie Panjwani addressed the needs of the future of beauty and the beauty trends of tomorrow.

Priya Sachdeva

Stressing the importance of beauty and wellness,Priya Sachdeva made a presentation on the new age beauty and its effects.

Rossano Bozzi

Matthieu Rochette-Schneider and Rossano Bozzi spoke about the unique market that India is, and answered all the queries from the media and experts, and emphasised the need to have their plans tailor-made for the Indian market.

Performing Arts (Odissi) and Yoga exponent Sandhya Manoj, turns model by taking part in the Mallika Sinha designed Jewellery campaign in Malaysia. Mallika, the promoter of Agomoni, a house of handcrafted costumer jewellery for women who aspire to look different.

In Agomoni, Mallika personally work on each piece of handicraft endlessly only to transform the design by beading into a masterpiece. Somehow, Mallika roped in Sandhya this time around and managed to finish the photo session, despite the latter’s tight rope walk.

Coming back to Sandhya, a little bit of her background will not be sufficient, as The Indian.News is coming up with this multi-facted personality’s full story at a later date, given this campaign, whatever brief that should go with this feature for a better comprehension to our readers, we will have that and a little more.

There are only few artistes in the world to explore the frontiers of the synchronisation of Yoga and Dance. A trained Odissi performer, Sandhya, after marriage to the Yoga expert Manoj Kaimal, the native of North Paravur had learned the art of synchronising both Yoga and dance form she is good at, Sandha succeeded in integration both the dance moves of Odissi as well as the assanasof Yoga.

More on the artist and her experimentation later, nevertheless, let us wish her good luck for her perseverance and her uninhibited foray into uncharted terrains like modelling. Team Indian.News, wish you wonderful journey on your career path Sandhya!

Fashion Pioneer Ritu Beri expresses her desire to open the Indian doors to luxury brands from various countries and to strengthen the voice of the country”, at the Luxury Symposium 2018 held in New Delhi on November 30.

Ritu Beri Fashion Designer with by Sushma Swaraj, Union Minister of External Affairs, Government of India

Ritu Beri, India Fashion Pioneer and Founder of Luxury League, the not-for-profit Foundation, while speaking at the high profile one-day conference, The Luxury Symposium 2018 held on November 30 at the Hyatt in New Delhi, said: “My desire is to open the Indian doors to luxury brands from various countries and to strengthen the voice of India abroad the idea is to create an increased pool of knowledge and competence.”

Amitabh Kant, CEO, Niti Aayog

The finely crafted event was replete with a dynamic podium with interactive discussions between stalwarts, world class creative thinkers, international business leaders, entrepreneurs, investors and government officials all under one roof.

Vijay Goel, Former Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports

Sushma Swaraj, Union Minister of External Affairs inaugurated the event, which was supported by several Government bodies such as “Make in India” (Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion), Union Ministry of Commerce, Tourism, and Indian Council for Cultural Relations. Italy was the country partner of TLS2018and the conference had speakers from various leading luxury brands from both Italy and India.

Bharti Singh

This year, along with the Symposium, there was a grand display-exhibit, THE SHOWCASE, to promote and support the various forms of Indian art, craft and brands such as Rezon, Raj Mahtani, VLCC, Shahnaz Husain, Casa Paradox, and National award winning artisans to name a few.

The objective was to promote ‘BRANDS THAT BRING GLORY TO INDIA‘ and strengthen the voice of India, globally. What is more, the event provided an excellent opportunity for leading Indian brands in cosmetics, furniture, jewellery, cutlery, leather, fabrics etc. to showcase their products and network with potential partners.

Ambassador Lorenzo Angeloni, Ambassador of Italy

Suresh Prabhu, Union Minister of Commerce and Industries; KJ Alphons, Union Minister of State for Tourism, Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi; Union Minister for Minority Affairs, Amitabh Kant, CEO, Niti Aayog; Dharmendra Pradhan, Union Minister of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas; Bibek Debroy Chairman of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister; Farooq Abdullah, former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir and chairman of National Conference; Meenakshi Lekhi, Member of Parliament and Harsimrat Kaur Badal, Union Cabinet Minister of Food Processing as well as several prominent global personalities, media, decision makers, creative thinkers, corporate heads, important members of the Indian bureaucracy and politicians attended the event.

Rashmi Uday Singh, Indian author and food critic

Sushma Swaraj, in her own inimitable style, spoke of the importance of luxury and its role in branding India. The Union Minister said India had so much luxury in culture, crafts, textiles, and jewellery and with proper branding it could be an important source for economic growth and employment.

Suresh Prabhu, Union Minister for Commerce and Industry

Suresh Prabhu, while endorsing her view, proposed the setting up of a separate vertical in the Ministry to support the promotion of luxury products from India. He urged the Foundation to work with his Ministry to hold an annual global exhibition of luxury brands at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.

Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi,Union Minister for Minority Affairs

Mukthar Abbas Naqvi spoke about the idea of involving the conference exhibitors in the next skill development “Hunar Haat” which is a Government initiative to promote handicraft and hand-loom prepared by master artisans from across the country.

KJ Alphons, Union Minister of state for Tourism

KJ Alphons spoke about the importance to promote India’s Heritage Luxury for Branding India Globally, while Vijay Goel gave examples of how Chandni Chowk has been changed to preserve and promote its heritage. He drew attention about his preservation taste of Haveli Dharampura and it receiving the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Award for cultural heritage conservation in 2017.

Harsimrat Kaur Badal, Union Cabinet Minister of Food Processing in the Government of India and Kalyani Chawla, Fashion Entrepreneur

Participants spoke glowingly about India’s rich luxurious heritage and it’s potential. They believed that the luxury industry plays a significant role in the economic growth of the country. “India’s Luxury industry could be a game changer,” said the MD of Pininfarina, Paolo Pininfarina a view acknowledged by several other speakers.

Meenakshi Lekhi,Member of Parliament

Ritu Beri said she was very encouraged by the support that the Foundation has received from so many government departments in the effort to promote Brand India. Branding India’s excellence is essential the Foundation believes. RITU BERI’S name is synonymous with the explosive globalisation of India’s fashion industry. A pioneer in her field, Ritu was anointed India’s Fashion Queen, two decades ago, when the prima donna stormed the catwalks of Paris with her label, one that fused Indian aesthetics with global fashion trends, just as India began opening its borders to international trade.

Empowered being the protégé of the French embroidery maestro, Francois Lesage, she value-added to that prowess she acquired, with her personal propriety and patent of intellectual and creative capital that she bought to the board-room.

Farooq Abdullah, Former CM of J&K and Chairman of National Conference

It culminated in Time magazine declaring her “THE FIRST LADY OF FASHION IN HER COUNTRY”, Beri being the First Asian to head a French fashion house, Jean Louis Scherrer; and adding to her string of “firsts”, BBC credited her business skills with a resounding headline: “Indian fashion takes a hold in the form of Ritu Beri.”

Luxury League, a Global Foundation established to promote the concept of luxury and to create an environment conducive to creative thinking. A Not-For-Profit Foundation of prominent Luxury brands, world wide.

Dharmendra Pradhan, Union Minister of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship & Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas

A body that aims at strengthening the influence of India in the Global Luxury industry. One of the main objectives of the Foundation is to redefine Luxury in an Indian context. India qualifies us to use luxury as an art form to reflect all that is authentic and truly unique.

Through its Cool Work Wear Allen Solly launches campaign “Open Work Culture” for movie enthusiasts at PVR Cinemas Bangalore

Allen Solly kick-starts “Open Work Culture” campaign for film enthusiasts at PVR Cinemas at Phoenix Market City in Bangalore

Allen Solly, India’s premium semi-formal brand from Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Ltd., launched its latest campaign ‘Open Work Culture’ – recognising the importance of an employee-friendly work environment. In line with the brand philosophy of embracing #OpenWorkCulture through its ‘Cool Work Wear’, the campaign highlights the cool quotient of a new-age working ambience. The elements in the ambience include environment-friendly commutes, pet-friendly workplaces, and taking time off work along with working in a comfortable work environment and work spaces.

To popularise the concept of ‘Open Work Culture’, Allen Solly decided to interact with the consumers at their most favorite entertainment spot – PVR cinemas located at Phoenix Market City, Bangalore. moviegoers were engaged in a unique fashion on a weekend. The people who had come to watch a movie on a Saturday were unaware about the pleasant surprise in store for them.

During the interval, the ‘cool Allen Solly’ guy cycled to the theatre with the music from the Television Commercialsetting the momentum. He then performed stunts on the cycle inside the theatre, which surprised and amused the audience. As the crowd cheered on, the emcee took over and asked the audience if they cycled to work – keeping the philosophy of the campaign in sync. Several hands shot up and they were awarded special vouchers instantly. Also, there was a special surprise for the audience under their seats.

The experiential engagement with the audiences have created a closer connect with the brand and the ‘Open Work Culture’ philosophy. Moreover, the viewers relived the cinematic version of the campaign.

The campaign that was launched in May this year with a cool TVC talking about pet friendly workplaces has continued with a new film celebrating the concept of cool commutes to work. The video features a young man cycling to his work place clad in an Allen Solly attire. The lime palette T-shirt worn over smart chinos and paired with a blazer from Allen Solly’s ‘New Age Work Wear’collection seemed to be clothing him in self–confidence. The TVC depicts a futuristic office which has a cycle parking space next to the desk — perks of an open work culture.

Commenting on this campaign, Anil.S.Kumar, COO, Allen Sollysaid “Allen Solly’s ‘Open Work Culture’ is a fashionable and functional take on the new-age work environment and needs. It is important for us, as a brand, to connect with the new-age audiences through a memorable and charming experience. This activation is another experiment in that direction wherein we celebrate the ‘Open Work culture’ with cinematic flair.”

Varun Katyal, Senior CD, Ogilvy who led the campaign said, “In the past, Allen Solly has redefined work wear. Carrying forward the same thought process, we embarked on a concept to amplify the workplace of the future. #OpenWorkCulture was conceived as an extension to this thought process. To accentuate the experience, we decided to wow our audiences by making them experience an advertisement film rather than just watch it on the big screen.”

Allen Solly is a brand inspiring the birth of an entirely new consumer class. Launched in India in 1993, its edgy positioning, smart communication and great fashion created the ‘smart casuals’ category in India. A quintessential British Brand, Allen Solly was launched in India by Madura Fashion & Lifestyle A Division of Aditya Birla Fashion & Retail Limited. Allen Solly is among the top most brands in India and it scored the highest amidst all brands in its segment by the Economic Times Brand Equity survey.

Allen Solly is a pioneer for western wear for women in India and redefines work wear in India with its ‘Friday Dressing’ fashion concept. It is the fastest growing brand in the industry and is the only brand with extensive men, women and kids presence across the country. Allen Solly is the exclusive licensee in India to produce, market and distribute apparel with Wimbledon branding.

Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Ltd. (ABFRL) was formed after the consolidation of the branded apparel businesses of Aditya Birla Group comprising Aditya Birla Nuvo Ltd.’s (ABNL) Madura Fashion division and ABNL’s subsidiaries Pantaloons Fashion & Retail Limited (PFRL) and Madura Garments Lifestyle Retail Company Limited (MGLRCL) in May 2015. Post the consolidation, PFRL was renamed as Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Ltd. ABFRL is India’s No 1 Fashion Lifestyle entity. It hosts India’s largest fashion network with over 11,000 points of sale, which include, close to 2,500 exclusive ABFRL brand outlets.

Danj Calender Delhi Times India Showcase Week held at DLF Promenade

The two-day fashion extravaganza, the launch of annual Danj Calendar at the Delhi Times India Showcase Week, held at DLF Promenade turned out to be quite a fashionable affair, marking the rolling out of Aerojet AviationAir Ambulanceat a starry fashion show by designer, Neetu Singh.

The event, filled with divas of Indian fashion circuit got spiced up by live performance by renowned singer, Sonali Bahuguna, who enthralled the informed audience with her lilting and mellifluous rendition.

Ishpy Kaur, the MTV Love School fame model, anchored the event. As the denouement of the second session saw the crowd going gaga, with the live-wire performance of singer Sonali Bahuguna, who just mesmerised the audience the her tracks including Pari Hoon Mai, Khoya Khoya Chand and Kaise Paheli.

Singer Sonali Bahuguna

A brainchild of Dinesh Aneja, the Danj Calendar annual event is gaining more and more traction with each passing year. A visionary and an entrepreneur, in a paradoxical fashion, Aneja started his carrier with Automobile industry, has gone on to prove that entrepreneurship opportunities are present everywhere you look in this day and age, although admittedly hidden from plain sight sometimes.

DANJhas steadily grown and acquired a stellar reputation in this ever evolving business of Fashion and Entertainment. Danj calendar is one of the most anticipated initiative, making headlines year after year with its exotic locations, world renowned photographers, stylists and supermodels featured in the calendar.

Sharon Winslet and Shaine Soni

“We have always believed in the next level entertainment and our association with India Showcase Week is a step in this. I am quite happy with the kind of response we have been recieving from the fashion fraternity”, Aneja said.

On this occasion, Aerojet Aviation, which is going to be dedicated to services in public sector, especially as Air Ambulance and charters and Emergency Rescue operations. These aircrafts will be available in the different parts of the country so that immediate attention can be provided whilst keeping all the safety protocols in check. Aerojet Aviation will be a ervice to people in need, Whether one is known or unknown. With this new venture DANJ is hoping to achieve new heights fulfilling the dream of making life convenient for all those in need.